Wynn returns Chinese antique treasures

Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (R) and Stephen Wynn, Chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts officially unveil the Buccleuch Vases yesterday

A collection of four antique porcelain vases, the Buccleuch Vases, were yesterday officially unveiled at Wynn Macau in a symbolic gesture of returning artistic historic valuable Chinese treasures to the People’s Republic of China.
The meaning and pride of having the chance of returning pieces of art “back to Macau and China, where they originally had their roots and story” were stressed by Steve Wynn, in a brief speech ahead of the ceremony officiated by the chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts and Edmund Ho Hau Wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and former Chief Executive of Macau.
“This is in continuation of our policy of adding to the cultural enrichment of our community here in Macau,” he added, referring to the Chinese art collection to be seen at the Wynn’s, including ceramics, cloisonné and textiles.
Purchased last July in a Christie’s London auction for a price exceeding USD 12.7 million, the four Chinese porcelain baluster vases from Jiaqing period (1796-1820), ormolu-mounted, are one of only two known sets of matching vases. (The other is found at London’s Buckingham Palace).
The Qing dynasty vases, as well an exquisite sixteenth-century Louis XIV Beauvais Chinoiserie tapestry of ‘The Emperor on a Journey,’ also shown yesterday, will be on display in the Wynn lobby but will “later on join other pieces of art in the new hotel in COTAI,” Wynn said.

C.J.